You may think that you don’t need to read this, or anybody can care for a retired show dog without any training. But, the truth is, retired show dogs are like regular dogs, but they need more of your one on one attention and handling. After all, they have spent years getting ready for shows practicing, being in shows, being around all different dogs in close quarters and having a very close human relationship with their trainer/breeder/owner.
How caring for retired show dogs is different
In my opinion, both non show dogs and retired show dogs need and want their owners’ attention and love. Unless you have an unusal, close relationship with your non show dog, most non show dogs are just as happy when they can have time to themselves and do what they want. A retired show dog, on the other hand, is used to being trained closely by the trainer/owner/breeder and seems to require or need more constant one on one attention. I could be dead wrong here, but that has been my experience.
Retired show dogs are used to “working” with their owner on a daily basis. They actually like being bathed, and brushed. They seem to say that they like being “pampered.” When I owned an American Lab, a non show dog, it was field trained. All it loved to do was to run and catch a frisbee, She also liked to do the work of me throwing a decoy, she sitting, then I release her, and then she goes and gets the decoy and brings it back. That was the extent of our training. Otherwise, it was run, chase the frisbee, and do her own thing. This is not to say that you will be extra burdened by having to spend more one on one time with your retired show dog. They will just seem to enjoy the attention and appreciate your one on one time with them.
Give your Retired Show Dogs Something to do
Just like human beings, dogs can get tired from doing nothing. They need a job to do. Especially, retired show dogs. They have been performing for years, then all of a sudden it ends. They need a purpose to do. What I did with Tina, a retired, Chocolate English Lab was to first take her through the Canine Good Citizenship Training. Then, I did a nose work class with her, and finally we joined a dog therapy group, to go visit people. She liked all of it. Today, we just hang out together. While I work from home, she sleeps beside me. She is 12 years old. I think what I need to start doing is to walk every day with her, to help her and me keep the weight off. Face it. We all need to exercise. It is good for us. I think your dog will enjoy the time you spend with them doing whatever, but especially being outdoors and playful. A good walk is always good.
Brush and groom on a regular basis
Remember, your retired show dog is used to looking their best. It makes you feel good too when you take care of your dog. One thing that I neglect with Tina and I have to remind myself to do this is to cut the hair between her toes and in her paws. Yes, she grows hair there between her toes. It can get slippery on woodend floors. You want to be careful and use special blunt edged scissors so that you don’t nip them by accident.
As far as a bath goes, we take Tina at least once every three weeks to Alpharetaa Animal Hospital where she gets bathed, her nails trimmed and her anal glands excreted. If you have ever seen a dog rub its but on the carpet, like the dog is surfing, they are basically trying to get the fluid out of their glands. Some people have even called it floor surfing. I have gone to the vet, and have put on gloves, and told them I wanted to learn how to express the glands. Its not a pretty site. I did it only one time, and I think that is enough. Take your dog to the spa and have their nails trimmed, coat washed and glands expressed.
Why all the fuss about caring for a retired show dog
Its like this. If you bought an old Mustang car, or Porsche, or any kind of classic muscle car, you would want to make sure that it stays in top shape, because of what it is and what it stands for. Same with a retired show dog, in my opinion. They are beautiful to look at, stunning in all of their glory, and you will want to keep them that way. Anybody can neglect or treat a dog badly. It takes no effort to do so. But, to have your retired show dog looking great as they age, now that is something to be proud of. You can still see the greatness in the dog if they were a Champion. Tina was a Grand Champion, and had her own website, Below, you can see her in her prime in the many poses. Also, pictured below is her as a retired show dog still competing in Senior shows and still winning ribbons. I hope you enjoy your retired show dog. Treat them like they are still champions and they will be for you.
Tina in her prime.
Tina as a senior dog still showing at senior events at age 12.
Conclusion
Retired show dogs are different in some respects than dogs you buy from a breeder or dogs that you adopt. Nothing is wrong, in my opinion with these dogs. I just have owned several dogs from different backgrounds and have found for me that a retired show dog is easier to train, because they already are, look great, have good manners with other dogs and with people. To me they are more enjoyable to own. There is a sense of pride knowing that you own a once upon a time champion, or once upon a time show dog that competed, regardless if they won any ribbons or not. They are just a good, all round dog.